Helen M. Cerveny, 79

October 31, 2001

Helen Magdalena Cerveny, 79, a proofreader for Chicago-based printer R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co., died of natural causes Saturday, Oct. 27, in ManorCare Health Services in Westmont. A 40-year resident of the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side, Mrs. Cerveny started work as a proofreader for the printing company at age 18, shortly after graduating from Farragut High School, said her sister, Jeanne Skoog. She proofread copy there until her retirement in 1982, serving as the last line of defense against spelling and grammatical errors for Life and Look Magazines; Sears, Montgomery Ward and JC Penney catalogs; and countless medical and financial publications. Though she never attended college, "she learned a great deal from reading the articles," said her brother-in-law, Robert Skoog. And she loved her job, especially her co-workers. "I think what kept her there was the good ethical quality of the company and the camaraderie as well," her brother-in-law said. In her spare time, she doted on her nieces and nephews, but she also traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico and the United States, her sister said. She often brought back as souvenirs the dishware or eating utensils native to the places she visited. Other survivors include a niece, a nephew, a grandniece and a grandnephew. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home.